2024 Advent Devotional
Published by C3 Leaders
Part of C3 Leaders’ B2B Devotional Series
General Editor: Devon Skaufel
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission of C3 LEADERS, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.
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What is Advent?
WHAT IS ADVENT? Advent is the four-week season of preparation for Christmas. For many of us unfamiliar with the liturgical year, there may be confusion around the meaning of Advent.
There is certainly anticipation in Advent…awaiting the arrival of Christ. That is part of the story, but there is more to Advent than expectations.
The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word meaning “coming.” Since the 6th century, Roman Christians have celebrated Advent as a part of Christmas. Their idea though was not about Christ’s birth in Bethlehem, but His second coming. It was not really until the Middle Ages that the Advent season was linked to Jesus first coming at Christmas. Today, Advent marks the beginning of the Christian liturgical year.
Most importantly, Advent offers a special way for each of us to focus on the meaning of our Lord’s birth and to look expectantly to His coming again.
The encouragement is to use this time to turn again to the God who keeps seeking us in love. As we do that through reflection, reading, and celebration, we will enjoy the great blessing of the Father who sent His only Son.
The following reflections are written by the broad C3 Leaders’ family. You will read devotions by some of our incredible C3 Forum Chairs, members of C3 Forums, members of the C3 Board, C3 Ambassadors, and friends of C3 Leaders.
Take time daily to read the Biblical passages and then reflect upon the brief devotional writing. You may also want to journal about your thoughts and prayers. May God bless you.
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December 3: Genesis 3:1-15
by Gregory Jantz, PhD, C.E.D.S.
C3 Forum Chair
Founder, The Center A Place of Hope
Today’s passage from Genesis is a cautionary tale about the power – and pitfalls – of assumptions. The exchange between Eve and the serpent is a textbook example of how easily what you know can be twisted into the shape of a false assumption. What did Eve know before she spoke to the serpent? She knew what God had said. What did she assume after the serpent’s conversation? She assumed something altogether different because the assumption allowed her to do what she wanted.
We all know how downhill things went from there. Our lives would be very different if Eve had stuck with what she knew instead of being tempted with an attractively presented assumption. That’s the thing about assumptions; they can be highly alluring. We want to believe them, even in the face of what we know. What we know can be less energizing, less inviting, less promising than a made-to-order, well-crafted assumption. Eve’s actions set the stage for humanity’s ongoing drama. As a leader, your actions set the stage for your ongoing business. Be alert, therefore, when assumptions entice you to deviate from what you know. There are things too good to be true.
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December 4: Romans 5:12-21
by Kathy Captain
C3 Forum Member
VP and Relationship Manager, Umpqua Bank
When thinking about the simplicity of God’s plan for man and salvation it always makes it a little easier for me when I think about opposites. Oh, the wonder of opposites!
Love vs. Hate, Good vs. Evil, and Sin vs. Righteousness,
We are so blessed with the simple explanation of Christ’s Holy life and sacrifice vs. Adam’s fall and desire for greatness.
Romans 5:12-21 describes the concept of sin and grace. It begins by explaining how sin entered the world through one man, Adam, and how death and condemnation came to all as a result. However, it contrasts this with the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ. The passage emphasizes that while sin reigned in death, grace now reigns through righteousness, leading to eternal life for believers in Christ. It emphasizes the beauty of Christ’s sacrifice that has the power to overcome the consequences of sin, offering salvation and reconciliation with God. Eternal Death vs. Eternal life. What a glorious thought!!
How fabulous it is that we have freedom to celebrate the birth of Jesus at this incredibly Holy time of year.
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December 5: Genesis 14:17-24
by Mary Peterson
C3 Forum Member
Managing Partner & Designer, Northwest Outdoor Lighting
Today, I want to share an insightful lesson from Genesis 14 that has powerful implications for our entrepreneurial journeys. It’s a story about Abram, who later became Abraham, and how his choices relate to our businesses and financial decisions.
The Generosity of Melchizedek: After a victorious battle, Abram was met by Melchizedek, who was not only a king but also a priest of God Most High. Melchizedek welcomed Abram with bread and wine, symbolizing nourishment and celebration. This shows us the importance of acknowledging the spiritual aspect of our success. When we’re blessed, it’s essential to give thanks and honor God.
Acknowledging God as the Ultimate Owner: Melchizedek’s blessing emphasized God as the Possessor of heaven and earth. In our business ventures, it’s easy to get caught up in ownership and control. However, this passage reminds us that everything ultimately belongs to God. Our businesses are entrusted to us, and we should steward them wisely.
Tithing in Business: In response to Melchizedek’s blessing, Abram gave him a tenth of everything he had gained. This concept of tithing, offering a portion of our income, demonstrates trust and gratitude. In our entrepreneurial pursuits, we can follow Abram’s example by setting aside a portion of our profits for charitable giving and causes we believe in.
Prioritizing Principles Over Profits: After the battle, the king of Sodom offered Abram a tempting deal. He could have become wealthier by accepting it, but Abram chose differently. He refused to take anything that would compromise his commitment to God’s principles. As business owners, we often face decisions that challenge our values. Abram’s choice reminds us to prioritize our values over immediate financial gains.
As we approach the advent season, let’s apply these lessons to our businesses. Just as Melchizedek blessed Abram, God blesses our business endeavors when we honor Him. Let’s be mindful of our role as stewards, practice generosity through tithing, and make choices that align with our values and faith. May this season be a time of reflection, growth, and renewed commitment to running businesses that not only thrive financially but also honor God through our actions and decisions.
Reflection Questions:
- How can I acknowledge and honor God’s role in my business success? Consider ways you can incorporate gratitude and recognition of God’s provision into your daily business practices. How might this change your perspective on your business journey?
- What percentage of my business profits am I currently allocating for charitable giving or tithing? Reflect on your current approach to generosity in your business. Are there adjustments you could make to allocate a portion of your profits to charitable causes or tithing? How might this impact your business and your sense of purpose?
- When faced with a challenging business decision that conflicts with your values, how do you respond? Recall a specific instance where you had to choose between profit and principle in your business. How did you handle it, and what were the outcomes? Consider how you might approach similar situations in the future while staying true to your values.
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December 6: Hebrews 7
by Mary P. Coday, MD
C3 Forum Member
President/Ophthalmologist/Co-Owner, Overlake EyeCare, PS
Medical Director, School of Physician Assistant Medicine, Northwest University
In the Old Testament, Levitical priests made sacrifices for themselves and on behalf of the people of Israel. In contrast, Jesus became our high priest after the order of Melchizedek, by the power of an indestructible life. He was made a priest with an oath as prophesied by the psalmist in Psalm 110:4:
The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow: “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant (v. 22).
The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but Jesus holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever (v. 23-24). Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them (v. 25).
We have such a perfect high priest that is holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens (v. 26), and he intercedes on our behalf!
The Levitical priests had to offer sacrifices daily, first for their own sins, and then for those of the people (v. 27). But Jesus did this once for all when he offered up himself!
However, his role as a high priest is not limited to propitiation. He also ministers to us as our daily life supply. In Genesis 14, Melchizedek brought Abram some bread and wine. Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing (Gen 14:18-20):
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Creator of heaven and earth
And blessed be God Most High,
who has defeated your enemies for you.”
Christ as our high priest not only intercedes for us to provide reconciliation with God, but he also ministers to us with the bread and wine*, illustrating how he sustains us with himself during and after the battle. Are you facing any battles today? Jesus as our high priest not only lives forever to intercede with God on our behalf (v. 25), but he daily lives to intercede, supply, and strengthen us for whatever trials we face.
*John 6:35 “I am the bread of life..”
I Corinthians 11:24-25 Bread and wine taken in remembrance of Jesus.
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December 7: Galatians 4:1-7
by Bob Nuber
C3 Forum Member
Co-Founder, Clark Nuber
Paul, in the first 7 verses of Galatians 4, says “…the heir, as long as he is a child, does not differ from a slave…” I understand a “child” in this context to be a spiritual child, regardless of age. Paul continues saying God’s Son was sent “…to redeem those who were under the law, that [they] might receive the adoption as sons.”
Before Jesus came into my life, I was living under a “law” I had designed for myself based on achieving three primary elements. When I finally achieved the third element, I found to my great disillusionment that my “law” didn’t work for me. I wasn’t overwhelmed with joy and contentment. So, now what do I do; how do I achieve joy and contentment?
Thankfully over time, my wonderful wife, Judy, and two friends convinced me to be open to learning more about Jesus and I did ask Christ into my life as savior. As God says in Galatians, I am “…no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.”
Reflection Questions:
- Are you an heir but still a slave?
- Have you accepted God’s free gift of redemption through Jesus and are now a son and heir of God through Christ? If so, praise and thank God.
- If not, seek men or women who are “sons” to learn how you, too, can become a son and an heir of God through Christ.
- Christmas is a wonderful time to choose to be a son!
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December 8: Romans 15:1-21
by Jeff Judy
C3 Forum Chair
Loan Advisor, Capstone Home Loans
As the Christmas season approaches, Romans 15 offers us a profound message of hope and unity. In this chapter, the apostle Paul reminds us of the importance of bearing with one another in love, just as Christ bore our sins on the cross. He emphasizes the need for harmony among believers, reflecting the unity that Christ’s birth represents.
The birth of Jesus is the ultimate manifestation of hope. It is the promise of salvation, redemption, and God’s unfailing love for humanity. Just as Christ’s birth brough hope to a broken world, the Christmas season reminds us of the hope we have in Him. It’s a time to remember that, despite life’s challenges, there is always hope in Christ.
In our diverse and fractured world, the message of Romans 15 is more relevant than ever. Christmas transcends cultural and religious boundaries, uniting people in celebration of hope and love. It’s a season when we can set aside our differences and come together, just as the apostle Paul encourages us to do.
So, as we prepare to celebrate Christmas, let us reflect on Romans 15 and the hope it offers. Let us strive for unity, love, and acceptance of one another, mirroring the love of Christ. In doing so, we honor the true spirit of Christmas and carry its message of hope into our lives throughout the year.
Reflection Questions:
- Who is God asking you to extend an extra measure of grace and love to this season?
- Are you taking time this season to reflect on the true hope in your life?
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December 9: Hebrews 1
by Tom Wilkins
C3 Forum Chair
Retired President & Owner, RHI Solutions
When I was a small boy the anticipation of Christmas was intoxicating. During Advent I would go through the Sears catalog (the Amazon of that day) and look at baseball gloves and toys of all types and imagine which ones I would receive when the big day arrived. The eagerness and waiting culminated on Christmas morning when I actually received the gift. What happiness I felt when I knew that what I had hoped for was truly mine.
For centuries God’s people waited with great anticipation for the coming of the Messiah. In Old Testament times God spoke to believers through His prophets. They did not yet have the Messiah but fervently anticipated His arrival and watched and prayed for Him to come. In Hebrews 1 the author begins by unequivocally stating that the wait is over. “God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways. But in these last days He has spoken to us by his Son,” (Hebrews 1:1,2). He is (Hebrews 1:3) “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being. The writer goes on to state that Christ is the one who laid the foundations of the earth, and it is His kingdom that will have no end. Jesus is the Messiah, the answer to the promises made through the prophets.
Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. Unchanging, eternal, having ultimate authority over His creation. Faultless in every way. Through HHHhis life and death He provides His children with the only pathway to eternal life. Thanks be to the God and Father of us all. He was and is the perfect gift.
Reflection Questions:
- What value do I put on the greatest gift, God being made flesh and dwelling among us? Is it still a source of excitement in my daily life?
- Christ is preeminent over all creation. But where do I put Him in my own thoughts, words, and deeds?
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December 10: Colossians 1:15-23
by Justin Kawabori
Former Forum Chair and C3 Ambassador
Executive Director, Northwest University Foundation
As we prepare for the celebration of the Incarnation, and as we expectantly await the return of our Savior, Jesus, we are reminded both of His sovereignty as well as His intimacy with us as His beloved creation. Scripture tells us it is only through Him that we are reconciled and redeemed—through His work on the cross, through His sacrifice for our sins, and through His authority over death. Through Jesus there is hope, and so the season of Advent is both a time of reflection and celebration. It is also a time of preparation to renew our partnership with Him.
In the end of this passage, we are reminded that we are reconciled in Christ, through His sacrifice, to be presented “before Him as holy and blameless and beyond reproach.” Can we imagine ourselves as one of the few who adored the Christ child in the manger? Would we feel worthy in that moment? Jesus makes us worthy. But the outcome of our sanctification requires our partnership and our participation. We must live in faith daily, steadfast, resolute, and in the hope of the gospel. Through this we are sanctified and become ever more like Him. Through this we reflect Jesus to others so that they too may receive God’s grace and be reconciled to God the Father.
Reflection Questions:
- How am I living my life in partnership with Jesus?
- What do I need to do, both today and into the future, to reflect the image of the invisible God to all those around me, whether at home, in the marketplace, or in the community?
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December 11: John 1:1-18
by Mason Rutledge
C3 Forum Chair and Former President
Executive Director, New Cannan Society
We have a very special Christmas ahead.
This Christmas season my daughter’s family (including two grandkids) are moving six blocks from our house. I’m excited, but I think this is the greatest Christmas gift that Grammy has ever received.
It will be nice to have them so close to us. Proximity means something.
God knows this truth. It is evident in His action. It’s what He did.
God lived in perfect community since the start of eternity. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and was God,” John 1:1. The purpose, the start was proximity.
The three-in-one God was proximate with each other and He wanted to be proximate to us. As the Creator, He could have done that through a warm feeling, writing a message in the sky, or even a global bullhorn… wouldn’t that have been cool.
Instead, He chose to draw proximate in the most amazing way. He moved into our neighborhood (John 1:14a, The Message). He actually sent his only Son. “God so loved the world that He sent His only begotten Son,” John 3:16a.
Christmas is the celebration of God drawing proximate to us. Emmanuel. He became a human like us and moved into your and my neighborhood.
Our family moving close is certainly a wonderful Christmas gift, but there is nothing greater than Jesus coming to earth. What a gift!
Reflection Questions:
- Christmas is when we celebrate God moving toward us. How will you move toward Him this Christmas?
- Get specific. Maybe it’s using the C3 Leaders’ Advent Devotional? Special time in prayer? Seasonal Christmas services at church? What will be your specific action to draw proximate to Jesus Christ this Christmas?
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December 12: Revelation 5
by Tim Turner
CEO and President, Subsplash
In Advent season, we focus on the nativity of Jesus as a baby born in a manger, yet we may forget to think about Jesus as Lord.
In Exodus, God declares, “the whole world is mine.” We see this reiterated in Revelation 5 where John says, “I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, ‘Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?’ And no one in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the scroll or to look into it, and I began to weep loudly because no one was found worthy to open the scroll or to look into it. And one of the elders said to me, ‘Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, has conquered, so he can open the scroll and its seven seals.'”
Ponder this: all people, all angels, all creatures in heaven, on earth, and under the earth will one day worship Jesus, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the man be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” How might this change your perspective, thoughts, and actions during this Advent and beyond?
As you celebrate Jesus this season, soak up and enjoy with awe the greatness of our Lord and Savior, who takes away the sin of the world. To all who believe, blessings! To all who want to believe, welcome!
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December 13: Isaiah 53
by Jerry Brown
C3 Leaders’ Board Chair
CEO Group Chair, Vistage
Have you ever wondered where the JUSTICE was in Jesus’ suffering and dying after living a perfect life of love and obedience? Of course, we now know that all of chapter 53 from the book written by the prophet Isaiah was telling the world some 700 years in advance of the substitutionary suffering and death of Jesus, the Son of the living God. “The Lord laid on him the inequity of us all (v. 6).” Jesus was the obedient suffering servant who took on the just punishment for you and for me.
Why was this payment by the innocent son of God necessary? Simply because our God is a God of justice. And here is the other wonderful news: He is also a God of compassion. Earlier in Isaiah, the prophet says, “Yet the LORD longs to be gracious to you; therefore, he will rise up to show you compassion. For the LORD is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him! (Isaiah 30:18).”
Reflection Questions:
- Might you, like Jesus, rise up to show compassion to one of God’s children today?
- How does Jesus’ suffering inspire you to think or act differently today?
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December 14: Mark 13:32-37
by Jon Fleming
C3 Board Member & Forum Chair
CEO, Raining Virtue
I have often thought, ‘When will Christ come back’? Jesus spoke about his return while he was on earth but left the “when” unknown. My engineering brain looks at data. He has not returned yet, it has been 2000 years, and therefore I conclude the chances that He comes back during my lifetime are minimal. However, the bible tells us fires, wars, earthquakes, and the destruction of the earth are signs that Jesus’ return is near. I see Maui’s fires, earthquakes in Afghanistan and Papua New Guinea, the Unites States’ political disarray, earth’s increasing temperatures, Ukraine and Russia’s war, China’s unrest, Israel, and Palestine’s continued conflict and now war. All seem like biblical scale events. Is His return imminent? I’m sure people living through the great plague, famine, religious persecution, revolutions, and world wars all thought the same. The “when” will remain unknown. While we wait though, we must “stay alert”, and ask:
- What are we doing with our faith at work and in the community?
- How are we making God’s planet and people better?
You may not be able to boil the ocean, but you can heat up a teaspoon or warm up a cup with your impact on people.
Reflection Question:
- How are you letting others see God’s love, peace, and grace through you?
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December 15: Matthew 22:1-14
by Talia Hastie
C3 Board Member
Consultant for Advancement, Life Christian Academy/Northwest Christian/Lighthouse Christian
In this culture, two invitations were expected when banquets were given. The first asked the guest to attend; the second announced that all was ready. In this story the King invited his guest three times… And each time they rejected his invitation. God wants us to join him at his banquet. That’s why he sends us invitations again and again.
In verse 11… It’s hard to understand why the king would tell his attendance to take this guest and “tie him up and throw him outside into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth. For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
It was customary for wedding guests to be given garments to wear to the banquet. It was unthinkable to refuse to wear these garments. That would insult the host, who would only assume that the guest was arrogant and thought he didn’t need these garments, or that he did not want to take part in the wedding celebration.
The wedding clothes picture the righteousness needed to enter God’s Kingdom… The total acceptance in God’s eyes that Christ gives every believer. Christ has provided this garment of righteousness for everyone, but each person must choose to put it on in order to enter the Kings banquet (eternal life). There is an open invitation, but we must be ready.
Reflection Questions:
- If the wedding represents God’s kingdom, what kind of people will be part of God’s kingdom according to this story?
- What is appropriate to wear at a wedding?
- How do you think one might obtain such clothing?
- Have you accepted his invitation?
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December 16: Isaiah 9:1-7
by Jim Speer
C3 Forum Chair
Founder & CEO, Mobility Support Solutions
Advent Tradition takes on a whole new meaning for me, even though I did not grow up in a Christian home, we still had an Advent Wreath.
I can remember the wreath on the dining room table with 3 purple, 1 pink and a large white candle. I never had it explained to me, but I was fascinated, every year by it being there.
It wasn’t till I received Christ that I finally understood the story that is being told. My in-laws carried the tradition with a Nativity scene. This added a whole new picture for me, I was like a child, mesmerized. It had such an impact, I got one for our family. A ceramic set that comes out the weekend after Thanksgiving, to be put on our coffee table as we continue the tradition. I can stare at it for hours, so grateful that Jesus saved me as I experience hope, peace, joy, and love in a whole new way.
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV): “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Reflection Questions:
- Traditions have told stories through the ages, what are your Advent traditions that might be different than mine?
- I know currently the culture has not moved in the old traditional ways, and if that is true for you, what could be your traditions that would move someone into a relationship with Christ, this Advent Season?
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December 17: Isaiah 11
by Mike Dunn
CEO, Dunn Lumber
How often the scriptures reflect the times of those who read them. As Isaiah writes, the original kingdom is split. Israel has had some 18 terrible kings and Judah hasn’t had another king like David or Solomon, some began well but very few ending that way. We in the US also live in a divided kingdom and we long to see wisdom, justice and peace reign.
Six hundred years ago Isaiah sees a new King, who rises out of the apparently dead stump that gave them, David and Solomon and this King will be greater than either of them, Matt 12:42. He will reign with perfect justice and mercy, and he will reunite all of God‘s kingdom under him and all of creation will be free from fear and death.
Our minds and hearts can hardly believe the goodness of these promises and the surety of their outcome. I remember a particularly calm day in Hawaii many years ago when I lay in the shallows and enjoyed the gentle waves washing back-and-forth. That is the image that these words bring to me. The peace of a baby rocked to sleep in her mother’s arms with a full tummy and a dry diaper, swaddled up safe and secure. This is the vision of Isaiah, that every care, every struggle, every fear has its perfect end when Jesus reigns victorious.
Remember today that you are “an unceasing spiritual being with an eternal destiny in God’s great universe” and your King is coming!
Quote from Dallas Willard
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December 18: Zechariah 9
by Devon Skaufel
Director of Operations, C3 Leaders
“Say to the daughter of Zion,
Behold, your kin is coming to you,
Humble, and mounted on a donkey,
on a colt the foal of a beast of burden” (Matt. 21:5 ESV)
Christ riding into Jerusalem on a donkey had an important context within the ancient world. A donkey was a mount of peace unlike the horse which was a mount of war. The coming king of Zion, riding a donkey as prophesied in Zechariah was a king coming to conquer. He came not to conquer with weapons of war though but rather through peace; whose triumphs would be more glorious and long lasting than any other conquerors. The freedom he gives from the slavery of sin is so much greater than the freedom from the yoke of Rome that the Jews expected from the Messiah as they welcomed him into Jerusalem.
For as foretold in Zechariah, He is righteous. The only man who could ever fulfill the Law, gifting salvation for His people through His life, death, and resurrection. Humbly he came, the son of a carpenter on a donkey, against all worldly conventions of the arrival of a king.
Advent is a time of celebration of the Incarnation. The purpose of Advent doesn’t end at Nativity though; it is also a time of anticipation for Christ’s return. Revelation tells us Christ will return, not on a donkey as he arrived before, but triumphantly on a white horse.
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December 19: Matthew 1:1-17
by Atul Tandon
C3 Ambassador
CEO, Opportunity International
As we look around the world today, it’s easy to get discouraged. Abuse, famine, and war abound. Suffering sits at every corner. Poverty and pain are all too prevalent. It is easy to become myopic—dwelling on the very real challenges we face every day—and feel like everything is moving in the wrong direction.
And yet…
Matthew 1 reminds us that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses. (Hebrews 12)
We are part of a long lineage that spans human history.
We are a small piece of God’s much bigger story.
And we have an essential part to play.
We respond to God—individually, collectively, for this moment in history, for this season in time. We fight poverty, offer hope to the hurting, feed the hungry, and proclaim the goodness of God because we are part of something so much bigger than ourselves.
Because the redemption story does not end with Christ’s birth—it begins. The genealogical line—the family of God—continues and expands, growing from generation to generation, and we get to be part of it.
Like Esther, we are called to our positions and places “for such a time as this.” (Esther 4:14)
How, then, will we respond?
Reflection Questions:
- What are the common traits or experiences of the people listed in Jesus’ genealogy?
- How does knowing you are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses” and a long history of faithful followers encourage or challenge you in your day-to-day experiences?
- Where is God calling you to play your part in his redemption story?
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December 20: Luke 1:1-25
by Tamara Morgan
C3 Forum Member
Director of Operations, Soundview Consultants
We know God keeps his promises. As believers, why is it so easy to forget? Take Zechariah; long story short essentially the Lord promises his barren wife’s geriatric birth to the son he has always wanted will not only happen but will basically be risk-free. His name is already picked out, John will be a joy and delight to him, and great in the sight of the Lord, all via an angel who understandably grips him with fear.
He doubtfully questioned how this could even happen and how he could be used. Relatable? He was upright and blameless in the sight of God, his relationship with the Lord was solid and even HE doubted God’s promise. Do you doubt, discredit, and question how He can use you, just as Zechariah did? “But God I’m too old, But God…insert personal doubt here”. We are still His to be used for His glory.
I encourage you this season to learn from Zechariah’s wife Elizabeth. She gives God all the glory for showing her favor. The world disqualified her from being used in this critical role. But God says I’m not done with you. Let’s remember it’s not too late, let’s remain open and usable, and let’s give God the glory this Christmas for He is a faithful promise keeper and that is a gift we can open every day.
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December 21: Luke 1:26-56
by Paul Perez
C3 Forum Chair
CEO, Accelerated Breakthrough Training
Aren’t supernatural stories great? I personally love them. Pop culture loves them, too. How many bazillions have been spent and made creating and publishing stories, films, series, books and other media depicting some form of fascination and occupation with supernatural people, phenomena and other-worldly encounters? A lot. A whole lot.
How much more supernatural does it get when a maiden, who “has not known a man” becomes spiritually impregnated? Resurrection is one thing. Harder to conceive back in Biblical times than now, but with the introduction of AED defibrillators, injectable adrenaline and other medical modalities that seemingly “bring people back from the dead,” I’m more likely to practically believe in resurrection from the dead as phenomenologically possible than spiritual impregnation. What a stretch the Virgin birth is for people of all epochs and eras, not just back in Mary’s day!
And, yet, here’s one thing we can’t take away from Mary: her experience. Namely, that which she did not and did experience. She did not experience conjugal relations with a man prior to conceiving the Christ child. And she did become pregnant, bear and give birth to our blessed Savior. It was an embodied experience that no one – in their right mind or otherwise – could unconvince her of.
This Christmas Season and hereafter, like never before, may we like Mary be so present and trustingly yielded to the workings of Holy Spirit that Christ Himself – crucified, buried, raised and ascended – would be so real to us that we physically embody and allow Him to change every fiber of our beings into eternity.
Lead on, King Eternal. We need you. We’ve always needed you.
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December 22: Matthew 3:1-12
by Brian Turnbull, AAMS
C3 Forum Member
Financial Advisor, Edward Jones
In a few days we will be celebrating the birth of Jesus, the climax of the Christmas holiday. When I hear the familiar story of John “The Baptizer,” crying out in the desert: “Repent for the Kingdom of Heaven has come near.” Or as The Message profoundly states. “Change your life. God’s Kingdom is here.” I am challenged with what is really going on during this season. There is a sobering reminder that amid the family gatherings, the chaos of holiday shopping and last-minute preparations we can lose sight of what is important.
We can find ourselves showing up for the religious experience like Pharisee and Sadducees who John calls a “Brood of snakes!” If we have ears to hear and eyes to see may the story of John find a place in our heart and consciousness this season. May the words that Jesus is coming “to ignite the Kingdom of God with us, to change us from the inside out.” There is so much more than a baby being born, there is an invitation to a renewed life in Christ and letting that Kingdom of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love overflow in our lives and into this world and all its wild places.
Reflection Questions:
- How have you experienced the wilderness of this Holiday Season?
- What can you do differently to prepare the way for Jesus to come into your heart?
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December 23: Luke 1:57-80
by Ena Robinson
C3 Forum Member
Owner, Ena’Vative Concepts Hair Studio
This passage speaks of John the Baptist, the forerunner of Jesus Christ our savior, who God chose in his foreknowledge to prepare his people for the kingdom message.
Everything about John’s life was prophetic. God used the mouth of Zachariah John’s father to prophesy his life and the benefit and purpose, that he would be a vital part of mankind’s opportunity to repent and be baptized for their sins.
Even the name John means “God is gracious”, as this is a reminder to us for the love that he has for us in the plan of salvation that he prepared for us back then so that we may experience the life of the risen king now.
This is a time and season we should rejoice because of the love and grace God has extended to us his people to be able to have a relationship with him as he so graciously forgives our sins and allows us access to his divine nature and benefits that we experience now.
He restores and renews us as often as we ask. Our life in him comes with a peace that cannot be imitated or duplicated.
Reflection Questions:
- What exactly was John’s role in the plan of Salvation?
- Why was John’s father’s mouth not able to make a sound until John’s name was announced?
- Now that we have experienced salvation can we see the wisdom of God in why John needed to be a forerunner for Jesus?
- As we all have a purpose in life, based on the understanding of Johns calling as a prophet, what do you feel God is calling you to be in his plan of salvation today?
- Give your perspective on why God would go against the norm and tell Elizabeth to name John opposite his Father’s name which was traditional?
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December 24: Luke 2:1-34
by Ward Tanneberg
C3 Forum Chair & 2023 Ralph Palmen High Ground Award Recipient
Author, Speaker, Retired Pastor
A lot can happen in a day.
On any ordinary, run-of-the-mill, nothing unusual day.
He didn’t realize it at the time.
He had no premonitions about his work that day.
He was mostly concerned about paying bills
and caring for his family.
He didn’t feel any different.
He didn’t imagine today’s finished product
would fill tomorrow’s song books and literature
and poetry and paintings.
He had ordinary thoughts about an ordinary day
filled with ordinary tasks,
so he built something
very ordinary.
He had made it many times
and in many places before.
It was nothing unusual.
Just wood and stone.
He did it because he needed the money.
That was all.
He was just doing his job that day…
then God showed up.
We never know when our ordinary moments will explode into something extraordinary. God is full of surprises. Give it some thought on your way to work. Really serious thought. A lot can happen in a day.
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December 25: Matthew 2
by Levi Davenport
C3 Forum Chair
President, C3 Leaders
Merry Christmas! The day is here! I love this day as it filled with such celebration for the coming of Jesus Christ. Matthew 2 gives me a sense of the excitement and hope, the wise men possessed to see for themselves the Christ. I can almost sense the carefully guarded hope they carry as they battle the thoughts of skepticism and fear. And then to see the star and then behold Jesus it must have been a moment unlike any other.
I often find myself battling fear of the future and the unknown. A wise man once told me that his decisions were always based on fear or love. I have been working to make more and more of my decisions in life based upon love and not fear. It is a continual battle to trust Jesus with circumstances in life but what better option is there? To obsess, manipulate, barter, and try to control? Control in my life has often been an illusion anyway and I find that when I relinquish control of my life to Jesus, I have much more peace than when I try to do it myself.
I hope you all enjoy this Christmas trusting Jesus with all the circumstances of your life. Merry Christmas!
What is C3 Leaders?
Serving as a leader is a lonely business. We do not want you to go it alone, nor does our Lord. Community has been His model since the beginning of time.
C3 Leaders convenes groups of like-minded leaders in small groups, called C3 Forums, and in events. We talk about business, we talk about Jesus, and we are committed to each other in on-going, peer-learning relationships.
It is our mission to change our commerce, culture, and community – the three “C’s” – for Jesus and His Kingdom principles.
We believe that change happens through business. As business leaders’ lives are transformed, communities, employees, marriages, families, and individuals are enhanced. That is why, we do…
“Business for Good.”
P.O. Box 85
Bellevue, WA 98009
(425) 206-4104
hello@C3Leaders.com
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Check out a C3 Forum: www.C3Leaders.com/moreinfo
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